With L.A.'s 2nd team, former Bulls coach has deeper talent than he ever has had

LOS ANGELES — This city has become the focus of the NBA, and even with a better record and the most collective talent he ever has coached, Vinny Del Negro understands why the Lakers still dominate headlines.

"They have won 16 championships," the current Clippers and former Bulls coach said Saturday. "We're just trying to build a winning culture."

Del Negro is leading a loaded team with serious title aspirations for the first time. The Clippers are two deep at every position even though Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill have yet to play because of injuries.

"We're not where we need to be yet but we're seeing signs of consistency, which is great," Del Negro said. "We have great guys and great balance to the roster. We're looking forward to getting Grant and Chauncey back. We have a lot of depth and we're trying to use it now.

"Things are built around Chris (Paul) and Blake (Griffin) and everybody else is accepting their role. We have to get a lot better. But they're giving me great effort. That's all I can ask for right now."

Del Negro said Billups would start alongside Paul in the backcourt when he returns, which will be sooner than Hill. Billups has been practicing fully for more than two weeks.

"It's kind of his call when he feels comfortable," Del Negro said. "You're talking about two guys who know how to play, know the big picture and are capable of accepting their roles. They're going to be contributors."

Memory lane:Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are the only remaining players Del Negro coached with the Bulls. Deng and Rose already have made All-Star teams. Could Noah be next?

"He deserves it," Del Negro said. "I thought he was close last season. I'm a big fan because of his energy and enthusiasm. He's a worker and always has been. He's getting that little jump hook. His shot seems more comfortable. And he's very active."

Layups: Rose spent time with teammates Saturday after using part of the day to rehabilitate his surgically repaired left knee. … The Bulls' victory over the Suns in Phoenix pushed them to 2-0 on the road for the first time since winning six straight road games to open the 1996-97 season.